Discerning Parenting

In this episode of The Discerning Parenting Podcast, Dr. Victoria Ang Nolasco is joined by special guest and co-author, Teacher Tasha Reyes Mendoza, to discuss their new book, Learning by Heart: Teach Your Child to Read Stress-Free. They address the concerns and anxieties that many parents feel about helping their children learn to read in a world that often pushes academic skills at an early age. Together, they provide insights into a more natural, developmental approach to literacy that builds foundational skills and respects the child’s readiness.
What You’ll Discover in This Episode

• Why today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world creates new pressures around early reading.
• How to focus on your relationship with your child to support their reading journey.
• Understanding the "science of reading" and how to apply it in a stress-free way.
• The importance of foundational skills and developmental readiness before formal reading instruction.
• Practical, science-backed advice on fostering a love for reading through play and bonding.

About Our Guest
Teacher Tasha Reyes Mendoza, a reading intervention specialist and mother of four, brings over a decade of experience in teaching children of all abilities to read. She has coached families, teachers, and schools on literacy strategies and shares her expertise and passion for nurturing lifelong readers in this episode.
Key Takeaways

The Role of Developmental Readiness: Learn why pushing early reading may be counterproductive and how to recognize signs of reading readiness.
The Power of Parent-Child Connection: Discover how a strong relationship with your child lays the groundwork for successful reading and lifelong learning.
Realistic Expectations in a Digital Age: Dr. Victoria and Teacher Tasha explore how digital media and early academic pressure impact young children’s development and how parents can find a balanced approach.
Resources Mentioned
Book: Learning by Heart: Teach Your Child to Read Stress-Free – Order on Amazon or visit our website.
Quotes to Remember
“Our relationship with our kids is the foundation of everything—including their learning journey.” - Dr. Victoria Ang Nolasco
“Reading readiness cannot be rushed. It’s about building foundational skills and waiting for developmental signs.” - Teacher Tasha Reyes Mendoza
Enjoy this heartwarming and insightful conversation that brings a fresh, compassionate approach to supporting your child’s reading journey—without t

⭐ Our book Learning by Heart: Teach Your Child to Read, Stress-Free is now on Amazon! Click here to learn more about Dr. Victoria Nolasco's books.
⭐ Check out our FREE Discerning Parenting Toolkit and Resource Library.
⭐ Find out more about our on-demand courses to guide you through parenting challenges.

🎖️Discerning Parenting is now one of the TOP 20 PARENTING PODCASTS on Feedspot!

The Discerning Parenting Podcast is a free informational resource for parents. As a valued listener, you acknowledge that any information you get from this podcast is for your general guidance only, and ​​must never be considered a substitute for the advice provided by a doctor, therapist, or other qualified medical professionals who know your child specifically. Read our full disclaimer policy here.

Are you starting solids with your baby and feeling overwhelmed by all the advice? You’re not alone. In this episode, Dr. Paula Martinez-Mallari, a pediatric gastroenterologist (gut health and nutrition specialist) and mom of four answers common questions and shares practical advice for parents navigating this exciting milestone.

💬 Topics We Covered:

• Going beyond the traditional vs baby led weaning debate... and the #1 thing we should be focusing on instead
• What to do when your baby refuses food
• Letting babies explore textures and tastes
• How to balance breastfeeding/formula with solid foods
• Changes in baby poop when you start solids
• Spotting early signs of constipation
• Taking the pressure off starting solids - for both parents and babies!

📌 Key Takeaway:

Starting solids doesn’t have to be stressful. Enjoy the journey, and remember—it’s a milestone for your baby and for you.

📎 Resources Mentioned:

✅ Our guide to complementary feeding with the short course Feeding Baby Right
✅ FREE parenting toolkit: https://discerningparenting.com/toolkit/

📎 Research Mentioned:

Systematic review on baby-led vs traditional complementary feeding

D'Auria, E., Bergamini, M., Staiano, A., Banderali, G., Pendezza, E., Penagini, F., Zuccotti, G. V., Peroni, D. G., & Italian Society of Pediatrics (2018). Baby-led weaning: what a systematic review of the literature adds on. Italian journal of pediatrics, 44(1), 49. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13052-018-0487-8

📌 Points we want to highlight:

1. Modified baby led weaning (taking care to remove choking hazards) appears to be safe. This is good news for parents who want to follow BLW.

2. There's no evidence that babies fed the traditional way grow up to become picky eaters or get stuck eating purees. This is great news for moms who keep trying baby led weaning but it's just not working for them. If that's you, stop feeling like you've failed! Go ahead and feed using the method that is easier for you. You have enough to worry about without adding on this unnecessary pressure.

⭐ Our book Learning by Heart: Teach Your Child to Read, Stress-Free is now on Amazon! Click here to learn more about Dr. Victoria Nolasco's books.
⭐ Check out our FREE Discerning Parenting Toolkit and Resource Library.
⭐ Find out more about our on-demand courses to guide you through parenting challenges.

🎖️Discerning Parenting is now one of the TOP 20 PARENTING PODCASTS on Feedspot!

The Discerning Parenting Podcast is a free informational resource for parents. As a valued listener, you acknowledge that any information you get from this podcast is for your general guidance only, and ​​must never be considered a substitute for the advice provided by a doctor, therapist, or other qualified medical professionals who know your child specifically. Read our full disclaimer policy here.

August is all about celebrating breastfeeding, and we're excited to share some heartwarming stories and invaluable tips in honor of breastfeeding month. Whether you're a new mom, currently breastfeeding, planning to breastfeed, or eagerly awaiting the arrival of your little one, this episode is tailor-made for you.
But that's not all – we're breaking new ground this time! For the first time ever, we're thrilled to welcome a dad onto the show. Our previous episodes have been graced by the wisdom of experienced moms, but today, we're broadening the conversation. This dynamic duo, both accomplished doctors, brings a unique perspective. They're not only parents, but they're also experts in the fields of health and breastfeeding.
Join us on the Discerning Parenting podcast as we celebrate the beauty of breastfeeding and uncover the incredible stories that shape our parenting journeys.
Don't forget to check out these links mentioned in this episode:

• Navigate the birthing process with confidence when you grab our FREE Birth Plan.
• Breastfeeding series from the Lancet Journal mentioned by Dr. Paul Zambrano.

⭐ Our book Learning by Heart: Teach Your Child to Read, Stress-Free is now on Amazon! Click here to learn more about Dr. Victoria Nolasco's books.
⭐ Check out our FREE Discerning Parenting Toolkit and Resource Library.
⭐ Find out more about our on-demand courses to guide you through parenting challenges.

🎖️Discerning Parenting is now one of the TOP 20 PARENTING PODCASTS on Feedspot!

The Discerning Parenting Podcast is a free informational resource for parents. As a valued listener, you acknowledge that any information you get from this podcast is for your general guidance only, and ​​must never be considered a substitute for the advice provided by a doctor, therapist, or other qualified medical professionals who know your child specifically. Read our full disclaimer policy here.

Full Episodes launching weekly starting March 8th, 2023!!
Are there days you feel you’ve had it with the sleepless nights, the temper tantrums, and the constant fatigue of trying to keep up with an active baby?
Does it feel like you’re always working so hard as a parent, trying to do everything for your kids and family, and yet it never feels enough?
We get it. You love your child more than anything, and yet parenting is also exhausting and challenging. Especially when you’re bombarded with criticism and pressure to be the perfect parent (which, spoiler alert, does not exist!).
But what if you had experts who understand exactly what you’re going through help you navigate the everyday challenges of parenting your baby, toddler, or preschooler?
What if they help you use scientific research to your advantage, so you become the calmer, happier, and more empowered parent you’ve always wanted to be?
That's why we created "Discerning Parenting," the podcast that helps you cut through the noise and focus on what truly matters in your parenting journey.
Join Dr. Victoria Ang-Nolasco, developmental and behavioral pediatrician, positive parenting coach, author, speaker, and mom, as she and our guest experts tackle your most pressing parenting concerns.
From toddler discipline to helping kids learn to talk or to read, from starting solids and potty training to promoting social and emotional development, this podcast is jam-packed with valuable insights and practical tips specifically tailored for parents of kids aged 5 and below.
So join us and discover how you can use the combined power of science, knowing your child, and your own intuition in making the best parenting decisions for you and your family.

⭐ Our book Learning by Heart: Teach Your Child to Read, Stress-Free is now on Amazon! Click here to learn more about Dr. Victoria Nolasco's books.
⭐ Check out our FREE Discerning Parenting Toolkit and Resource Library.
⭐ Find out more about our on-demand courses to guide you through parenting challenges.

🎖️Discerning Parenting is now one of the TOP 20 PARENTING PODCASTS on Feedspot!

The Discerning Parenting Podcast is a free informational resource for parents. As a valued listener, you acknowledge that any information you get from this podcast is for your general guidance only, and ​​must never be considered a substitute for the advice provided by a doctor, therapist, or other qualified medical professionals who know your child specifically. Read our full disclaimer policy here.

In this episode, Dr. Victoria Ang-Nolasco and Teacher Tasha Mendoza tackle a common concern for parents: What if my child isn’t reading by age three? (Or age four or five?)
They discuss the undue pressure placed on parents, why early reading isn’t always developmentally appropriate, and how to focus on holistic growth instead.

Key takeaways:

• Reading milestones typically develop around ages 5–7.
• Language, play and social-emotional development in early childhood are more critical than academic skills.
• Forcing reading too early can lead to frustration and aversion to learning.
• Advocate for developmentally appropriate practices in schools.

Resources Mentioned:

• Learning by Heart: Teach Your Child to Read Stress-Free by Dr. Victoria Ang-Nolasco and Teacher Tasha Mendoza
• Toddler Talking: Boost Your Child's Language and Brain Development in Three Easy Steps by Dr. Victoria Ang-Nolasco
• CDC Milestone Tracker App

For more support on helping your child thrive developmentally and academically, grab a copy of Learning by Heart at discerningparenting.com/books or on Amazon.

⭐ Our book Learning by Heart: Teach Your Child to Read, Stress-Free is now on Amazon! Click here to learn more about Dr. Victoria Nolasco's books.
⭐ Check out our FREE Discerning Parenting Toolkit and Resource Library.
⭐ Find out more about our on-demand courses to guide you through parenting challenges.

🎖️Discerning Parenting is now one of the TOP 20 PARENTING PODCASTS on Feedspot!

The Discerning Parenting Podcast is a free informational resource for parents. As a valued listener, you acknowledge that any information you get from this podcast is for your general guidance only, and ​​must never be considered a substitute for the advice provided by a doctor, therapist, or other qualified medical professionals who know your child specifically. Read our full disclaimer policy here.